Located at 109th & Laramie Ave, this park serves as one of Oak Lawn’s largest and most popular parks. The Wolfe Wildlife Refuge is a natural wetlands area where several animals and birds, including some endangered and threatened species, call home.
While strolling along the paved walking/biking path and watching from the wooden deck, nature photographers and birth enthusiasts have spotted more than 100 species of birds in the refuge, including the Black-Crowned Night Heron, Double-Crested Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, and the Great White Egret. Animals found in the refuge include frogs, turtles, raccoons, foxes, insects, and Monarch Butterflies. This park is a natural area for nature programs, which are offered year-round and is home to the annual Howl-O-Ween event.
The shelter area is perfect to rent for your next family gathering. The playground area features a custom “Tree-Themed” play structure modeled to look like a tree trunk and has four strap swings, two tot swings, a tire swing, all which are fully inclusive.
Wolfe Wildlife will be undergoing a two-phase renovation over the course of the next year. Phase I of the project is partially funded thanks to a successful Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant worth $600,000. The project includes six new pickleball courts, exercise equipment, game tables, along with path and light pole replacements. The portion of the rejuvenation project that begins this year includes the following:
- Bridge Decking Replacement
- Six (6) New Pickleball Courts (at Little Wolfe)
- Game Tables
- Split Rail Fence Replacement
- Exercise Equipment Installation
- Overlook Replacement
- Trail Sitting Location
- Nature Restoration
- Select Path & Light Pole Replacement
Walking Path Update (September 2026)
The Oak Lawn Park District has been awarded a $2,000,000 ITEP Grant and a $306,201 Invest in Cook Grant to replace the walking path and lighting at Wolfe Wildlife, running from 109th Street and Lavergne Avenue southwest to 107th Street and Long Avenue. A new connector path will also link the bridge at Wolfe Drive and Long Avenue to 107th Street and Long Avenue.
Martam Construction has been awarded the project, with work beginning this fall. Expect tree removal, path closures, and construction activity in the coming weeks as crews prepare the site. We appreciate your patience as we build a safer, more accessible pathway for the whole community to enjoy for years to come.
Thank you to the Village of Oak Lawn, Community High School District 218, Upland Design, and all our partners who helped make this project possible! 🌳🚶
Find the official press release here
Features
- 45 Acres
- ADA Accessible
- Playground
- Pond
- Seasonal Public Restrooms
- Walking Path
